Cycling (Trainer): 30 mins. @ 3:15 p.m.One day, run... next day, cycle... one day run... next day...
As I was riding the stationary bicycle this afternoon, I finally got around to reading the current issue of Runner's World magazine in which (among other things)there is an article about the potential value of using mantras while training and competing. I reckon I have unknowingly used mantras in my running (and professional life) particularly when things get rough.
Occasionally, during one of my Language Arts classes, student behavior may be get so wild (or, more to the point, my management of student behavior becomes so undone) that I just take a step back, inhale deeply, think to myself "you are in charge... where your (my) focus goes, the class' energy will flow..." and generally this enables us to "pull it together" well enough to make it to the bell, allowing all party-goers to part with a relatively positive vibe in their hearts. Sometimes, unfortunately, it doesn't go so well... (and that's a story for another post!)
It occurred to me as I was bicycling, and reading, that one mantra I often use while running is "focus and form" or some variation on the two key words. When my legs feel like cinder blocks... "focus and form," steep hill to ascend?... "focus and form," gut full of diet Pepsi and Doritos that you want to puke out?... "focus and form."
Tomorrow morning, I have registered to run in a 5k, the Rochester Run/Walk for Health, to benefit a local outreach center (run in cooperation with medical students from the University of Rochester) for those in the community who do not have their own health care. The organization's mission is to "provide free high-quality preventive and health maintenance services to the uninsured and under-served while promoting the spirit of education, social justice, and collaboration." Sounds great... all I need to is plop down my application fee, the "focus and form" myself across the finish some 20+ minutes later... this new approach, my not focusing so much on placing is equally rewarding.Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!
4 comments:
Personal thoughts are powerful – they can be useful or destructive.
I usually sing (in my head) when I need to push myself. More of a diversion than a mantra I suppose.
Good Luck on your run.
Great mantra! I try to remind myself of positive affirmations and why they are so important. Lately, I've been having trouble with one particular student and at times I feel like losing it. Of course, I can't...so, I need to channel my energy. Why, oh why can't he just be less resistant to learning though? :) *sigh*
I sometimes play songs in my head- I can recall once, running across campus at my old college many moons ago- "Night Swimming" by REM. I still do this. Usually, this is when i am really having a good run. The stationary bike is easy- I pop in a good dvd of a sports event.
i've used songs, too--and while i often go into things (classes, runs, conversations) with a set mantra or self-talk in mind, i often find other more opotent langauge pop into mind during the natural course of conversation.
Thanks, everyone, for stopping by and commenting!
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